United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County

Lincoln Community Foundation Inc

Lincoln, NE

Lincoln Community Foundation funds nonprofit operations, programs, and capital projects in arts and culture, community improvement, education and youth, the environment and animals, and health and human services. Its 2024 grants had a median of $23,420, with awards ranging from $5,027 to $1,585,362; Open Door Grants serve organizations in or providing services in Lincoln/Lancaster County, Nebraska. It accepts Open Door Grant applications year-round and reviews them monthly.

Cooper Foundation

Lincoln, NE

The Cooper Foundation funds Nebraska nonprofits, schools, public universities, and government units in the arts, education, human services, environment, humanities, and civic and community engagement, with priority for organizations serving Lincoln and Lancaster County. Its 2025 grants ranged from $500 to $80,398, with a median of $15,000. It does not accept unsolicited requests; organizations should contact the foundation first, and only invited applicants may submit a Letter of Inquiry.

Assurity Life Foundation

Lincoln, NE

Abel Foundation

Lincoln, NE

The Abel Foundation supports nonprofit community projects, especially capital projects, arts and culture, conservation, education, and human services, with a strong focus on Nebraska communities where NEBCO and its affiliates operate. Its 2025 grants ranged from $100 to $933,333, with a median of $10,000. It directs applicants to its website for application information; the profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.

The Sherwood Foundation

Omaha, NE

The Sherwood Foundation funds equity and social-justice work in Nebraska, with a focus on urban and rural community partnerships and early childhood education; it supports operating, program, and capital needs. Its 2025 grants had a median of $90,000, though awards varied widely. It does not accept unsolicited requests and uses an invitation-only application process.

First Interstate BancSystem Foundation

Billings, MT

The First Interstate BancSystem Foundation funds poverty reduction, youth development, financial education, and community development, as well as civic, arts, education, health, human services, and sustainability efforts in communities served by First Interstate Bank across 10 states. Its 2025 grants had a median award of $2,500, though amounts varied widely; the stated minimum grant is $2,500. Organizations can submit grant requests online, which are traditionally reviewed monthly, but grants must be recommended by a local First Interstate branch.

BNSF Railway Foundation

Fort Worth, TX

The BNSF Railway Foundation funds civic, cultural, education, health and human services, environmental, and youth programs, including operating costs and specific projects. Its 2025 median grant was $2,500, though awards ranged from $100 to $500,000; it supports eligible organizations serving communities near BNSF rail lines across its 28 operating states. The foundation provides an online application process, but whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.

D F Dillon Foundation

Lincoln, NE

The foundation supports a range of charitable organizations, including educational, environmental, and civic groups, with grants for programs and capital improvements. Its 2025 grants ranged from $1,000 to $1 million, with a median of $30,000; 90% of grant dollars went to Nebraska, with some support in other states. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.

Spreetail Foundation

Lincoln, NE

The Lozier Foundation

Omaha, NE

The Lozier Foundation funds education, women and girls, North Omaha initiatives, and human services, with a focus on underrepresented communities in the Omaha metro area. Its 2024 grants ranged from $450 to $2 million, with a median of about $38,000; it does not accept unsolicited funding requests and contributes to preselected organizations.

Union Pacific Foundation

Omaha, NE

The Union Pacific Foundation funds 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Union Pacific communities, prioritizing direct services and organizational capacity in safety, workforce development, community and public spaces, and local needs. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,000 to $600,000, with a median of $10,000; it accepts online applications during designated periods.

The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation

Omaha, NE

The foundation funds Nebraska college scholarships and charitable organizations, particularly in reproductive and international health; its 2025 grants had a median of about $603,000, with awards ranging from $3,425 to $80.5 million. Its grants reach organizations in the U.S. and internationally, while scholarships are limited to eligible Nebraska students attending Nebraska public colleges. It funds only preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited funding requests.